The E minor chord contains 3 notes: E – G – B (root, minor 3rd, perfect 5th). On guitar, the open position is 022000 — just two fingers, all 6 strings ring. It is often the easiest chord on guitar and the vi chord in G major.
The E minor chord has a distinctive darker, more melancholic quality compared to E major. Containing E – G – B, it uses a minor third instead of a major third — that single change in one note creates a completely different emotional character.
The E Minor Chord
Character & Usage
Open, dark, and easy to play — just two fingers. All six strings ring. Often described as the easiest chord on guitar and a common starting point for new players.
Rock, folk, blues, pop. Em is in G major and is frequently paired with G, D, and C for easy songs.
How to Play the E Minor Chord
Finger position: 022000 — 5th string 2nd fret, 4th string 2nd fret, all others open. Minor chords often feel more natural under the fingers than their major counterparts. Focus on clean string separation and making sure no unwanted strings ring.
Explore Chord Voicings Interactively
The MusoKit Chord Finder shows every voicing for every chord — on guitar, piano, and bass.
Open Chord Finder →Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the E minor chord?
The E minor chord contains E – G – B. Built from: Root – Minor 3rd – Perfect 5th.
How do you play the E minor chord on guitar?
022000 — 5th string 2nd fret, 4th string 2nd fret, all others open
What keys is the E minor chord in?
The E minor chord naturally appears in: E minor, G major, D major, B minor.
What is the difference between E major and E minor?
E major contains E – G – B. E minor replaces the major 3rd with a minor 3rd — giving it a darker, more melancholic sound while keeping the same root and fifth.
See also: Chord Finder · Chord Progression Generator · Scale Explorer